Best Tacos in Portland

written by Julie Lee

Tacos are fabulously versatile. Whether you’re hungry for a quick snack or a huge meal, a vegetarian or a carnivore, tacos deliver. Here are five of our favorite Portland haunts serving up tacos in a variety of forms.

¿Por Que’ No? Taqueria

¿Por Que’ No? Taqueria is Portland’s nerve center for superlative tacos, made with fresh made tortillas, locally sourced fish, meat from northwest farms and produce from local farmers. Long lines at both locations move quickly, so before you know it, you’re noshing on a barbacoa taco made with Cascade Farms brisket braised in banana leaves. Owner Bryan Steelman is ahead of the avalanche of change in the restaurant industry, providing insurance to employees and splitting gratuity between servers and the kitchen. Happy employees = happy customers.

If you haven’t partied until 3 a.m. and ended up at Robo Taco, then you aren’t a true Portlander. Robo Taco is the place to soak up the spirits and suds before seeking a responsible route home. Our favorites here are the oyster tacos with farm raised Oregon oysters and the pastor tacos with succulent pork. Vegans have plentiful options as well.

The secret is out: Gloria’s Secret Cafe is a hidden gem in the heart of Beaverton. Gloria herself presents Latin American dishes served in a most intimate setting. You will feel like family perched in her kitchen breakfast nook, while devouring the most incredible steak tacos you’ve had in your life. It’s a simple operation: cash only, and the menu is essentially whatever she is cooking that day.

12500 SW Broadway, Beaverton

Salvador Molly’s

With pirate themed decor, a festive vibe, and ridiculously delicious Caribbean food, Salvador Molly’s has weathered the test of time. As restaurants continue to open and shutter in Portland’s ever-changing foodie revolution, Salvador Molly’s beats on—bringing the heat, literally. With the ability to order spice from a level 1 to 20, you control the intensity. The Baja fish tacos are over the top, with your choice of either grilled or beer battered fish.

Craving what some might call “authentic Mexican” tacos but with the added twist of wild boar or banana roasted pork? Taqueria Nueve is a reborn favorite, opened in 2000, closed in 2008, and reopened in 2013 to hand slapping high fives from Mexican-fare- loving foodies throughout PDX.